pleura

[ ploor-uh ]

noun

, plural pleu·rae [ploor, -ee]

1. Anatomy, Zoology. a delicate serous membrane investing each lung in mammals and folded back as a lining of the corresponding side of the thorax.
2. plural of pleuron.

pleura

/ ˈplʊərə /

noun

1. the thin transparent serous membrane enveloping the lungs and lining the walls of the thoracic cavity
2. the plural of pleuron

pleura

/ plr′ə /

, Plural pleurae plr′ē

1. A membrane that encloses each lung and lines the chest cavity.

Derived Forms

• ˈpleural, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pleura¹

1655–65; < New Latin < Greek pleurá (singular) side, rib

Word History and Origins

Origin of pleura¹

C17: via Medieval Latin from Greek: side, rib

Example Sentences

To check for them, doctors look at the pleura, the membrane that envelops each lung.

From Scientific American

“But because his surgeon . said it had spread to the pleura of the lungs, they said it wasn’t a covered cancer.”

From Washington Times

It can detect blockage and constriction in arteries and veins, and can identify issues in the pleura, the fluid-filled membranes that line the thorax and lungs.

From US News

In short, an abscess in the pericardium must be treated like an abscess in the pleura.

From Project Gutenberg

To stick fast or cleave, as a glutinous substance does; to become joined or united; as, wax to the finger; the lungs sometimes adhere to the pleura.

From Project Gutenberg